AIFA Reaches 5 Million Passengers in 2024, Surpassing 2023 Goal

The Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) transported 5 million passengers between January and October 2024, a target that was originally expected to be achieved by the end of 2023.

"We exceeded the breakeven point within two years, and we have remained above it in every quarter. This means AIFA no longer requires fiscal resources for operation, as it now generates sufficient income to cover its expenses," said General Isidoro Pastor, Director, AIFA, earlier this year at the ACI-LAC 2024.

As of Nov. 9, 2024, AIFA has handled a total of 5.2 million passengers, with a peak of 22,554 passengers on July 26, 2024. "We expect to surpass 6 million passengers by the end of the year," Pastor added. Originally, the airport’s projections for 2024 were closer to 5 million.

October was a strong month for the airport, with 590,000 passengers recorded, marking its third-highest monthly total since opening. At its peak in August 2024, AIFA recorded 602,000 passengers in a single month. This consistent growth reflects an expanding network of domestic routes, which currently accounts for over 93% of its passenger traffic.

"Our revenues for 2024 are estimated to exceed MX$2.6 billion (US$127.7 million), while operational costs are projected at MX$2.2 billion," Pastor said. Despite these gains, the airport continued to receive subsidies amounting to at least MX$1.5 billion, which it is expected to repay to the federal government by year-end.

Cargo operations at AIFA also continue to thrive, with the airport now handling 26 daily flights and transporting an average of 824 tons of goods. Since the last quarter of 2023, AIFA has moved 566,883 tons of cargo, making it the top performer among Mexico's 80 airports in this sector. Pastor noted that AIFA is on track to handle over 400,000 tons of cargo this year, surpassing the 250,000 tons handled by Mexico City International Airport (AICM). The increase in cargo traffic is attributed to AIFA’s ability to accommodate more cargo airlines, with 44 now operating at the airport compared to just 18 at AICM. This growth has translated into an increase in tax revenue, with the Service of Tax Administration (SAT) reporting MX$107.1 million in collections to date.